Knicks expected to extend Tom Thibodeau

Tom Thibodeau has worked wonders with the New York Knicks. He has slowly developed a team capable of contending in the Eastern Conference, implementing a distinct playing style and working with the front office to recruit players that match his vision.

Thibodeau took the Knicks to within one game of the conference finals this season. According to Marc Stein, sources around the NBA are almost certain that Thibodeau will be offered a contract extension during the summer.

"League sources say that Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau should be viewed as a virtual certainty to score a contract extension this off-season "at the market rate," which translates to an annual wage of at least $10 million, after New York's run to the brink of the Eastern Conference Finals with one of the league's longest injury lists in a postseason wracked with injuries," Stein reported.

During Thibodeau's tenure with the Knickerbockers, they have only missed the playoffs once and made it to the second round on two occasions. If the Knicks can retain OG Anunoby this summer and add some more depth to the bench, they will be among the best teams in the East next season. It would make no sense to move on from Thibodeau after allowing him to construct this current team.

Despite the recent criticism surrounding Thibodeau's minutes management and gritty style of play, the Knicks would be wise to double down on his efforts. His players all sing his praises and defend him when he's being questioned in the media. And he managed to keep the Knicks playoffs push on track despite numerous injuries to key players.

Thibodeau has proven himself as one of the most reliable head coaches in the NBA and has brought the good times back to Madison Square Garden. He will likely continue proving himself as the right man for the job in the Big Apple. 

He's on course to position New York as a legitimate contender, and he's earned his inevitable pay raise.